The eighteenth-century Venetian painter Giambattista Tiepolo spent his life executing commissions in churches, palaces, and villas, creating frescoes that are among the glories of Western art. The life of an epoch swirled around him - but though his contemporaries admired him, they failed to understand him. Few have attempted to tackle Tiepolo’s series of bizarre and haunting etchings, but Roberto Calasso rises to the challenge, interpreting them as chapters in a dark narrative that contains the secret of Tiepolo’s art. Blooming ephebes, Oriental sages, owls, snakes: we will find them all within the pages of this book, along with Venus, Time, Moses, angels, Cleopatra, and Beatrice of Burgundy - a gypsyish company always on the go.

Why You Should Read

1. Unravel the Mystery of Tiepolo’s Art: Calasso’s interpretation offers a unique glimpse into the enigmatic world of Tiepolo’s etchings, revealing the hidden narratives within.

2. A Journey Through Time and Culture: Explore a rich tapestry of characters and themes, from ancient sages to mythological figures, that reflect the cultural milieu of Tiepolo’s era.

3. A Deep Dive into Artistic Genius: Gain insight into the mind of a master artist whose work continues to captivate and mystify audiences centuries later.

4. A Visual and Literary Feast: Experience a book that combines stunning visual descriptions with a compelling narrative, making it a treat for both art lovers and readers alike.